Analysis of Spatial Distribution Patterns of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Risk Factors with GIS in Central Regions of Thailand

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are leading causes of mortality in Thailand, representing 74% of all deaths. Behavioral, social and environmental issues are the primary drivers contributing to the increasing incidence of NCDs across Thailand. This study aimed to examine the spatial distribution trends of hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart diseases in Thailand using Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques, including Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW), clustered analysis with local Moran’s I and bivariate correlation analysis, to identify associations with urbanization, demographic aging, and environmental exposure. The consolidation of national health statistics, demographic and environmental datasets, applied spatial interpolation (IDW) and correlation analysis examined the relationship between the prevalence of NCDs and risk factors. As a result, the highest concentration of NCDs was observed in Bangkok Metropolitan Regions (BMR)and industrial corridors, while coastal areas showed decelerated rates of increase based on the result of spatial distribution pattern and clustered analysis. And the most severe air pollution occurred in winter season therefore the government should focus on the tackle of air pollution affected on the community in this season, especially in the Mueang Samut Songkhram, Mueang Ratchaburi, Mueang Phetchaburi, Mueang Supanburi, Mueang Samut Sakhon Districts and Saraburi Province. From correlation results, hypertension and diabetes prevalence showed a strong positive correlation with urbanization and aging population density, while no significant correlation was found with PM_2.5 exposure and income. Therefore, this study can support the recommendations of prioritization provinces and districts in the cases of NCDs control and prevention. By combining GIS and spatial statistical analysis on health data, it would be helpful to expose the relationship of NCDs risk factors and beneficial to policy makers in decision making of prevention and surveillance NCDs.